STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-April 25, 2023-We all know that Steamboat Springs has a magical soul and so do the structures and landscapes that have shaped our evolution as a community over the past century. May is historic preservation month and the theme this year, People Saving Places, fits right into the essence of the Yampa Valley.
“Every day is a time to celebrate and highlight the benefits of historic preservation but May shines a special spotlight on these efforts,” commented Historic Preservation Planner Caitlin Berube-Smith. “The community recently welcomed its newest historic place, the Drake-Atha Building, to the historic register and we continue to shepherd preservation efforts across the community with many other organizations.”
Preservation Month began as National Preservation Week in 1973. The National Trust extended the celebration to include the entire month of May in 2005, creating the opportunity to promote historic places while highlighting the heritage of the country’s cities and states. People Saving Places is a national high-five to everyone doing the great work of saving places, in ways big and small, and inspiring others to do the same.
Have a property that is more than 50 years old or one listed on the historic register, then show your passion for preservation by displaying a Preservation Pinwheel during May. Free pinwheels (silver for 50+ & multi-color for historic register) can be picked up at City Hall (124 10th Street) during normal business hours. Share your historic space with others by snapping a photo with the pinwheel and posting to social media with the hashtag #PinHistory.
Celebrate preservation month with a FREE historical walking tour of downtown Steamboat Springs on May 24 from noon to 1pm. Starts at the Tread of Pioneers Museum (800 Oak St). This easy walking tour highlights the historic buildings and development of downtown Steamboat Springs and unveils the stories of the town's indigenous, founding and early settlers. Better yet, ½-price admission coupons to the museum for all tour participants are being offered.
“Most people don’t know they are being provided a history lesson every time they walk down Lincoln Avenue in the downtown area,” continued Berube-Smith. “But that’s exactly what is happening and showcases the importance of historic preservation and its significance.”
Downtown Steamboat Springs, including the original town site established in 1884, is part of a prestigious community of national historic districts throughout the United States. The district is an approximately six city-block area along Lincoln Avenue, roughly bounded by 5th and 11th Streets. Steamboat Springs’ National Register Historic District includes 51 resources with 36 contributing resources and three buildings listed individually on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historic Preservation assists in the preservation of the community’s natural and built historic resources helping to maintain distinct community character and promotes the importance of historic preservation as an economic development strategy. View the historic landmarks and resources currently on the Steamboat Springs Register of Historic Places.
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Contact
Caitlin Berube-Smith, Historic Preservation Planner, 970.871.8228 or email
Emily Hines, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, 970.871.7031 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email